IIM Cutoffs 2025 — CAT Percentile Required for Every IIM

CAT cutoffs for IIM admissions operate at two levels. There is the written score cutoff that determines whether you get a call for the interview stage. And there is the final composite score cutoff that determines whether you convert the call into an admission offer. This article covers the written score cutoffs — what CAT percentile you need to receive an interview call from each IIM.

All cutoffs below are approximate figures for general category male candidates with no work experience. SC, ST, PWD, female and NC-OBC candidates typically have lower cutoffs. Candidates with strong work experience profiles may have slightly different treatment at the shortlisting stage.

IIM A, B, C — The old IIMs

IIM A shortlists using a composite score that combines CAT percentile, Class 10 marks, Class 12 marks, graduation marks, work experience and gender diversity factor. The written shortlist is typically 7 to 8 times the batch size. IIM B uses a similar process but weights CAT score slightly higher relative to academic scores.

IIM L, I, K — The second generation

IIM Kozhikode's cutoff is meaningfully lower than L and I, which makes it accessible to a wider range of candidates. GRADSKOOL's Sreeja Biswas converted IIM Kozhikode with preparation under ALP Sir.

New IIMs

Other top non-IIM colleges

What to do with this information

Pick two target colleges. One stretch target and one realistic target. Build your preparation around reaching the section-wise cutoff for your stretch target. If you clear the section-wise cutoffs for the harder target, you will automatically clear them for the easier one.

Do not target just one college. The admissions process has too many variables beyond CAT percentile. PI performance, work experience weighting, academic profile and the composition of other applicants all affect your final outcome.